The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a mandatory 14-day notice period before telecommunications operators deactivate inactive SIM cards, as part of efforts to enhance consumer protection and reduce digital identity fraud.
The proposal is contained in a consultation paper released on February 26, 2026, which seeks to amend Section 2.3.1 of the Quality-of-Service (QoS) Business Rules. Under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, the Commission said telecom operators would be required to notify subscribers at least 14 days before permanently disconnecting their lines.
Current Practice
Under existing regulations, SIM cards are deactivated after six months of inactivity, defined as a period without any revenue-generating event. If inactivity continues for another six months, the number may be recycled and reassigned to a new user, except where the inactivity is due to network-related issues.
However, the Commission observed that the recycling of numbers has exposed subscribers to risks, particularly when such numbers remain linked to the former owners’ bank accounts, digital wallets, or other identity records.
New Notification Rule
If approved, the amendment will compel operators to send advance notifications through alternative phone numbers or registered email addresses at least 14 days before final deactivation.
The requirement will apply to both prepaid and postpaid subscribers, providing users with sufficient time to reactivate or retain their numbers and addressing communication gaps in the current system.
Launch of TIRMS
In addition, the NCC is introducing the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), a centralized platform designed to monitor churned, swapped, or barred Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers (MSISDNs).
Telecom operators will be mandated to upload SIM status updates to TIRMS within seven days of deactivation.
The platform will support cross-sector verification by institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), fintech firms, security agencies and other stakeholders.
The Commission said the platform is expected to become operational by late March 2026.
Addressing Identity Theft
The NCC described the initiative as a Regulatory Technology (RegTech) intervention aimed at strengthening Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and improving digital trust.
Recycled numbers have reportedly been linked to cases where new users inherit fraud alerts, banking associations, or identity verification records belonging to previous subscribers. The centralized system is expected to reduce such risks and enhance security within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
SIM Parking Option
The proposal also introduces a “SIM parking” option, allowing subscribers to retain unused lines for up to one year at a minimal fee instead of facing full deactivation.
Public Consultation
In line with Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, stakeholders have 21 days from the publication date to submit comments. The consultation window closes on March 20, 2026, after which the Commission is expected to finalise the revised